Visit La Garrigue, arguably the most authentic French restaurant in town and be transported into the Languedoc region of France. Enjoy the food, sample the 'Terroir wines' and the warm service. Winner 'Les Routiers Guide; Scottish restaurant of the year'.

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• What are these?

• Average price 2 courses:
   £15.50 (set lunch)
   £32 (evening meal)
• House wine: £15 per bottle

• Hitlisted
• High point: Food is king and the service, wine and décor all revolve round the menu
• Low point: Spicy haggis with foie gras is probably a cultural marriage too far
• Food served: Tue-Thu 12.30-2pm, 7-10pm; Fri/Sat 12.30-2pm, 6.45-10.30pm
• Private dining: N
• Open since: 2006
• Also offers: Childrens portions, Childrens high chairs, Wheelchair access

The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 is now in the shops.

This review is from the 2007 edition.

Halfway along the uniform row of restaurants and bars in Leith's modern Commercial Quay is Edinburgh's newest Michelin star restaurant: the Kitchin won the accolade just six months after opening in the summer of 2006. The understated but comfortably contemporary décor of dark grey walls, hazelnut wood tables and black straw tablemats is illuminated by an opening into the kitchen, which gives you tantalising glimpses of chefs at work. The restaurant takes its name from French-trained (under the tutelage of Alain Ducasse and Pierre Koffman) Scottish chef/owner Tom Kitchin, who is still under 30. The menu reflects his passion for locally-sourced Scottish produce with French interpretations. Ravioli of langoustine, for example, is complemented by an intense earthy fish broth of cognac, vermouth, cream and tarragon. Seasonality is a strong vein in Kitchin's menus, as is a whole-animal approach: look out for rolled pig's head served with crispy ear salad, or fillet of Angus beef superbly enhanced by a rich, glossy, dark brown bone marrow sauce. Wines are mostly, though not exclusively, French, while service often also comes with a French accent, its studied informality balanced by precision and almost overwhelming enthusiasm for the food being cooked and served. Lunch remains a steal: the dishes are obviously related to à la carte options, but also offer affordability. Immediately, but deservedly, one of Edinburgh's A-list restaurants.